Toothbrush Sterilizer Zaps Germs With UV Light

This compact home toothbrush sterilizer from Japan's Aroma Science is designed to zap a wide range of harmful bacteria using ultraviolet (UV) light, so it's no wonder they've named it the "Zapi".

Do we really need to sterilize our toothbrushes between use? You betcha. According to Dr. Kajimura Kajimura of the Nihonbashi Dental Clinic, "toothbrushes are a breeding ground for bacteria, so sterilizing them before using will help prevent tooth decay and gum disease." Toothbrushes can pick up these bacteria (and viruses as well) from your mouth, and also just by being left wet inside your bathroom for hours. Yuck!

The charmingly egg-shaped Zapi runs on 4 AA batteries and uses light, not heat, to kill any germs hitching a ride on your toothbrush. Just insert the brush head-first into the device, push the "on" button and the decontamination process begins. 73 minutes later, Zapi automatically shuts off leaving your toothbrush as pure as the driven snow.

Each Zapi measures 3 by 3 by 4 inches high (75 × 75 × 100mm), comes in your choice of 6 different colors (blue, white, pink, purple, green or orange), and is priced at 3,780 yen or about $42. (via Impress Watch)